Knowing almost nobody, but made welcome by Gian Franco Kasper, President of FIS, who persisted in introducing me to all and sundry as the 'doctor of doctors'. The Hotel Lagorai, perched on a cliff overlooking the valley, beautiful location, beautiful rooms and beautiful food.
An opening ceremony in Trento to delight the visual senses, magical aerial antics involving balloons, light shows and trapeze artists, with special focus on the walls of the tower of the Duomo. The history of the Dolomites, and the values of the local people.
A tour with Nicoletta of the medical services at each location, and a general warm welcome from all concerned. Dr Nardelli a linguistic challenge, but very friendly.
A warm introduction to Ski Jumping from Walter Hofer, and a trip by chairlift to the top of the jump, amazing to be right beside the athletes as they awkwardly shifted into position, and then to watch as they took off to fly!
Into the main competitions, the Ladies and Men's XC Sprint to start - winners from Norway (L) and Russia (M). Exciting to watch, and then on to Ladies SJ qualifications - a long day, and eventually called for a driver to take me back to the hotel.
An interesting visit to the SWE and FIN wax trucks, and then the standard wax cabin being used by AUT. A stark contrast.
Good welcome dinner, struggling a bit with a cold, but very much enjoyed the company of FIS Council members Matti Sundberg, Bill Marolt, Sverre Seeberg and Dean Gosper. Several courses, some good saxophone music, and a little clear grappa to finish.
Now getting the hang of it all. Into Cavalese for a haircut and a coffee, quick early lunch, and a driver to take me to the Lago di Tesero stadium to watch the massively exciting finale of the first Gundersen event, (NC 106m jump, followed by 10km XC, the start staggered to allow advantage to those who jumped furthest to allow the winner to be first to the finish). The worthy winner a Frenchman.
And then quickly on to Predazzo to watch the Ladies SJ finals, US winner and a great competition. Good medical support - thankfully not needed!
And then a lovely dinner with Gian Franco, Dean/Amanda, Sverre, Richard (founder of Eurosport). Dog sledding a good topic of conversation!
No comments:
Post a Comment